LIFTING THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE : ELKS LODGE PAYS HOMAGE TO U.S. FLAG.Byline: Terry Kanakri Daily News Staff Writer Melody Brammer was beaming with patriotism Sunday when she arrived with her two children at the Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. Elks Lodge 2492 Flag Day celebration. Respecting the American flag, its history and symbolism is something Brammer wanted to instill in·still v. To pour in drop by drop. in  stil·la tion n. in her 16-year-old son, Bryan, and 11-year-old daughter, Jennifer. ``The nation's morality is going downhill because we're not respecting the flag and our country,'' Brammer lamented. ``I think things would turn around if we put our trust in God and country, and treated each other with some decency.'' Both her children echoed that opinion and said today's youth often take their freedom for granted, and do not understand the sacrifices made by others and symbolized by Old Glory. ``If they don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. what it means now, they won't know what it means in the future,'' said Bryan, who attends Royal High School. ``This country depends on the youth of this nation, because one day, the youth will be leading it.'' His sister, Jennifer, said the flag must not be disrespected. ``The flag symbolizes the freedom that we have,'' said the Berylwood Elementary School elementary school: see school. student. Celebrating the red, white and blue was part of a free annual Flag Day ceremony held inside the Simi Valley Elks Lodge. About 70 people attended. Inside the hall, Elks members spoke about the history of the American flag, how it evolved, and featured banners used throughout American history. As each flag was presented, a narrator NARRATOR. A pleader who draws narrs serviens narrator, a sergeant at law. Fleta, 1. 2, c. 37. Obsolete. described the origin of that particular banner and its place in history. During the ceremony, participants stood up and sang the national anthem and ``God Bless America,'' and recited the Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance, in full, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, oath that proclaims loyalty to the United States. and its national symbol. . ``The flag is our common symbol, regardless of where we come from, and it binds us together,'' said Wayne Myers, an Elks exalted ruler. Myers said more than ever, the youth of America needs to understand the history of America History of America may refer to either:
``They have to understand what the flag represents, and what the people of this country have done to preserve it,'' Myers said. The event was part of an annual Elks celebration of Flag Day, which was recognized officially nationwide Friday. In 1910 the Elks established that Flag Day would be celebrated by lodges across the country each year. Officials this year hoped the event would rekindle re·kin·dle tr.v. re·kin·dled, re·kin·dling, re·kin·dles 1. To relight (a fire). 2. To revive or renew: rekindled an old interest in the sciences. patriotism and increase appreciation for what it means to live in a free country. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (color) Members of Emblem Club No. 484 participate i n a Flag Day celebration at the Elks Lodge in Simi Valley. About 70 people attended. Phil McCarten/Daily News |
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